Liberals and democrats urge EU leaders to confront Russian aggression, deliver on the cost of living and fund Europe for a new era

European liberal and democratic leaders have called on the European Council to deliver a stronger collective response to Russian hybrid attacks, concrete action on the cost of living, and to ensure EU is funded adequately to deliver in a new era. 

Meeting at the Renew Europe Leaders’ Summit in Brussels, the political family set out a shared ambition for a reforming centre: a Europe capable of protecting its citizens, improving their living standards and giving the next generation the freedom to build their future.

As EU leaders gather for the European Council, Renew Europe calls for stronger protection of critical infrastructure and coordinated action against those responsible for Russian sabotage, cyberattacks and interference, along with greater support for Ukraine this winter. 

Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, said:

“Russia wants to frighten our citizens, divide our societies and weaken our support for Ukraine. The European Council must show that the Black Sea attacks carry consequences. We need to protect our infrastructure together, strengthen our defences and give Ukraine the support it needs. Recent days have also shown the urgent need for a European alternative to Starlink."

“Security also means being able to look ahead with confidence. Families struggling with food bills, rent and energy costs need more than assurances. They need decisions that make their lives better. The infrastructure we need to ensure prosperity and security requires a Europe that is well-funded. We need an MFF that is fit for purpose and funded by own resources. The proposal currently on the table is far from that.’’

“Europe must also stand up for its workers and businesses. When China distorts competition or uses our dependencies against us, Europe needs the means and the political will to respond.”

Svenja Hahn, President of the ALDE Party, said:

"Liberals deliver in 17 European governments and have a track record that shows how it’s done: less bureaucracy, lower bills, better jobs and a superpower Europe capable of protecting its citizens and leading in the world. The far right wants to leave Europe divided and paralysed. The far left's economic prescriptions would drive away investment and destroy jobs and prosperity. Liberals must break down market barriers, strengthen the economy, bring energy prices down and give people the freedom to build their own future."

The summit brought liberals and democrats together around priorities for European security, economic renewal and reform of the Union. Discussions addressed how an enlarged EU can take decisions more effectively and democratically, how its budget can match its ambitions, and how investment in AI and the single market can support prosperity.

Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party, said:

“We need a revolution in the centre, and that starts with changing how Europe works. We cannot promise citizens security and prosperity while allowing one government to block decisions for everyone. We must end national vetoes, strengthen the European Parliament and give Europe the resources to deliver. Where that requires Treaty change, we must have the courage to pursue it."

“Liberals and democrats are coming together because defending Europe means being prepared to change it. Our ambition is a European political power capable of defending our freedom and shaping our future. We will not rebuild confidence by asking people to settle for what exists today.”